Evolution / Genetics / Biology

Rare ancient temple found in Catalhoyuk

A team working at Konya’s Catalhoyuk district’s archaeological site has revealed temples from the ancient Neolithic (new stone) and Chalcolithic (copper) eras.

The Trakya excavation team has unearthed a temple from the ancient era [Credit: Hurriyet]

There are two mounds in the district, Trakya University excavation team president, Burcin Erdogu said. While the eastern part of the mound is from Neolithic era, the western part is from the Chalcolithic era.

“We have found the largest Chalcolithic settlement on the Konya valley.”

The east of and west of Catalhoyuk have significant differences, said Erdogu. “The biggest difference is in the architecture,” she said, explaining that the buildings in the Chalcolithic area were smaller than the others.

“In the eastern Catalhoyuk section, there are drawings on the walls. These have symbolic importance. There are geometric drawings on the walls. The symbolism is also reflected in the pottery,” said Erdogu.

Noting that it is the first time the team has encountered such buildings, Erdogu said: “We assumed that the people who lived during that era used this building to hold ceremonies and perform religious rituals.”

Human figures have also been discovered drawn on the walls, as well as pottery that was probably used during the ceremonies. “These potteries were found on the Western side of Catalhoyuk,” she said.

The discoveries will make Konya’s Catalhoyuk a valuable location in the archaeology world.